San Antonio, Texas, 2016-May-10 — /Travel PR News/ — Shanna Smith is the San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau’s (SACVB) new Chief of Staff. In her new role, she will focus on the SACVB’s long-term strategic plan, producing critical executive messages, overseeing the organization’s annual meeting, National Travel and Tourism Week initiative and Experience Dedicated Destination program. She will also continue to serve as the staff liaison for the SACVB Partner Taskforce.
With nine years in the hospitality industry, Smith was previously the SACVB’s Partner Relations Manager for three years. In this role, she focused on partner communications, local media relations and communicating the importance of the travel and tourism industry to San Antonio. Prior to that, she was the Director of Communications and Marketing for the City of Granbury, Texas, where she served as the leader for Visit Granbury and as the city’s Public Information Officer working with local, regional and national media.
“Shanna has done a tremendous job as Partner Communications Manager,” said Casandra Matej, Executive Director of the SACVB. “She exemplifies our Core Values and has a passion for the travel industry. As Chief of Staff, Shanna will be a key leader of the organization that will assist with organizational plans to include the CVB Transition and Long Term Strategic Planning, as well as serving as a liaison of internal and external stakeholders and partners.”
Smith has a strong commitment to the travel and tourism industry as well as her local community, participating on committees for the Texas Tourism Industry Association’s Texas Travel Unity Dinner, SACVB Core Values, and chairing the SACVB Wellness Committee. She was also selected to participate in the City of San Antonio Women’s Leadership Mentoring Program. Additionally, she has participated on committees for the Valero Alamo Bowl Volunteer & Hospitality Committee and Boysville’s “Wildest Auction In The West.” Shanna is also on the Executive Council for Hardin-Simmons University’s Board of Young Associates
Among her achievements:
- San Antonio CVB Core Values Champion
- Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) 30 Under 30 Class Ambassador, 2015
- DMAI 30 Under 30 Award Recipient, 2014
- Texas Travel Industry Association (TTIA) Certified Tourism Executive (CTE), 2013
A San Antonio native, Smith’s education includes an MBA in Business Management from Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA and a Bachelor of Arts from Hardin-Simmons University, Abilene with a major in Communication – Public Relations and Advertising and a minor in Business Administration.
One San Antonio
Diverse, internationally connected and globally competitive, San Antonio has a vibrant culture and economy and is consistently ranked among the fastest-growing cities in the United States. America’s seventh-largest city offers opportunities in industries ranging from bioscience, financial services, aerospace, cybersecurity, energy and transportation manufacturing to healthcare. We are “Military City USA,” home to crucial military commands supported by a patriotic citizenry. We welcome 32.5 million visitors annually who inject $13.4 billion annually into our economy, and UNESCO recently designated the city’s Spanish colonial missions as a World Heritage Site. Celebrating its 300th anniversary in 2018, San Antonio is a city with a storied past and an even brighter future. For more information, visit www.sanantonio.gov.
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Shanna Smith appointed San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau’s new Chief of Staff